AN EXPLORATION OF THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF NIGERIA’S 2022 COPYRIGHT ACT ON EMERGING ARTISTS IN THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY

This study explores the transformative impact of Nigeria's 2022 Copyright Act on the country’s music industry, with particular focus on emerging artists. The research analyses how this legislation addressed key deficiencies that previously affected the Nigerian music sector under the 2004 Copyright Act, which inadequately protected artists' rights in the digital age. The 2022 Act introduced comprehensive reforms, including improved legal frameworks for digital content protection, stronger enforcement mechanisms against online piracy, and better regulatory oversight of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs). The purposive research design was employed to gain detailed insights from specific individuals knowledgeable about and impacted by copyright laws in the music industry. Findings revealed that while the 2004 Copyright Act established legal frameworks, it lacked provisions for digital content and sustainable royalty mechanisms. The 2022 Act modernised these areas through recognition of streaming platforms, mandatory digital licensing, strengthened performers’ rights, and enhanced enforcement through specialised tribunals. The 2004 Copyright Act failed to curb piracy and royalty mismanagement. The 2022 Copyright Act improved the situation through digital recognition, better collective management systems, and increased penalties, particularly benefiting emerging artists reliant on streaming platforms. For emerging artists, the 2022 Act offers significant benefits, including expanded protection of performers' rights, fairer compensation structures, accessible legal remedies via copyright tribunals, and stronger regulation of Collective Management Organisations. Despite ongoing piracy challenges and limited enforcement, the Act provides a solid legal foundation requiring proper implementation, stakeholder awareness initiatives, and sustained technological investment for effective industry resolution. The study therefore recommends further research into the practical implementation of the 2022 Copyright Act, with particular attention to how rural and grassroots artists access its benefits, as well as examination of the long-term effects on Nigeria’s creative economy.